How can we do it?

But God calls us to demonstrate his righteousness

Isaiah 42:1-8 Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth. … He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth. And it is he who says, “I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you … And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives from prison. … I am the Lord, that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else.

Shutterstock: akramalrasny

This photo is from Yemen, but it could be so many other places in the world.

I find this to be one of the most encouraging and the most challenging passages in Scripture. Where would we be without God’s promise to bring justice to the nations, to all who have been wronged? Yet how can we possibly demonstrate his righteousness? We’re not wise enough, good enough, self-giving enough, strong enough, or brave enough for such an assignment.

I don’t manage to consistently reflect God’s priorities even within my small circle of influence. How can we respond as God’s partners in his purpose to make justice prevail throughout the earth, for each person to whom he gives breath and life? Too often v. 19-20 describe me!

If this call from God on our lives doesn’t keep us humble and on our knees, nothing will.

Two phrases from Isaiah 42 give me hope: “I have put my Spirit upon him,” and “I will take you by the hand and guard you.” It’s the Holy Spirit in us who can reflect God accurately, not ourselves. And when God says he will guard us, I think in part that means he will guard us from our own weaknesses, blindness, and inconsistencies as we submit ourselves to him.

God guarded me one day when a young woman dressed in full Sharia-correct garb appeared at Karis’s hospital room door. Karis welcomed her with joy, and the two spent a happy hour together. I, to my shame, sat in a corner struggling with feelings of resentment against her and all that in my mind she represented.

But in his mercy, during that hour, God showed me the deep, compassionate, affectionate love in his heart toward “those people.” He melted away my prejudices and fears. He took my hand and guarded me against myself. I am so very grateful, because I could have gotten in the way of important relationships in Karis’s life, as she poured out the love God had shown me.

I trust you, Lord, to keep on showing me and freeing me from all that does not please and reflect you.